started to fret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to fret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the beginning of a feeling of worry or anxiety about something. Example: "As the deadline approached, she started to fret about whether she would finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Personal narratives

Economic analysis

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Last week, as the economic crisis escalated, Hollywood started to fret anew.

The New York Times

But the moment markets started to fret about Italy in July, the strategy looked broken-backed.

The Economist

I started to fret that this was the way I was going to go: fighting for my breath in blubber".

The Guardian

IN THAT foreign land of Britain before the credit crisis, the Conservative opposition party started to fret about a "broken society".

The Economist

But as the threat of GM crops being sown in Britain subsided, most green groups started to fret about other things.

The Economist

Some fans have started to fret that she is running herself ragged, a theory advanced by her disheveled appearance on several recent episodes of her show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But the market is also starting to fret about inflationary pressures.

The Economist

Perhaps revealingly, he acknowledged that even the normally laid-back Moody was starting to fret.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the Federal Reserve is at last starting to fret about what is happening.

The Economist

Mr. Barclay starts to fret about hosting the meeting, saying his wife didn't know about it.

The New York Times - Arts

That task will grow more urgent as customers (and regulators) start to fret about invasions of privacy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to fret" to describe the initial stage of worry, rather than a constant state of anxiety. It indicates a transition into concern.

Common error

While "fret" is acceptable, it can sound slightly informal or old-fashioned in very formal writing. Consider using "become concerned" or "grow anxious" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to fret" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a state of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase is used to describe the initial stage of concern, suggesting a transition into a state of unease.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Personal Narratives

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to fret" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the onset of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally considered neutral, it leans slightly towards the informal side, making it suitable for news articles, blog posts, and personal narratives. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "began to worry" or "became concerned" might be more appropriate. As Ludwig's examples show, it is important to use this phrase to describe the initial stage of concern rather than a constant state of high anxiety. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its acceptance in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to worry

Focuses on the initiation of worry, a direct synonym but more common.

became anxious

Emphasizes the transition into a state of anxiety.

grew concerned

Highlights an increase in concern over time.

started to get worried

A more verbose version using "get worried".

began to feel uneasy

Shifts the focus to a general feeling of unease, rather than specific worry.

commenced to worry

A more formal phrasing indicating the beginning of worry.

started feeling apprehensive

Emphasizes anticipation of future problems or misfortune.

started to agonize

Implies a more intense and prolonged state of worry.

began to sweat

Idiomatic expression indicating nervousness and anxiety.

began feeling stressed

Indicates the beginning of feeling stress, which may or may not involve worry.

FAQs

What does "started to fret" mean?

The phrase "started to fret" means that someone began to worry or feel anxious about something.

What can I say instead of "started to fret"?

You can use alternatives like "began to worry", "became anxious", or "grew concerned" depending on the context.

How to use "started to fret" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate the onset of worry, for example: "As the deadline approached, she "started to fret" about whether she would finish on time."

Is "started to fret" formal or informal?

"Started to fret" is generally considered neutral but can lean slightly towards informal. In very formal contexts, "became concerned" or "grew anxious" might be more suitable.